The Colorado Rockies have always been labeled as outsiders in high-tier baseball. Since their establishment in 1993, they’ve played in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the game but are rarely the favorites in these games. However, time and time again, they show that they can defy expectations and become late bloomers, making their way to the postseason. Here are five times the Colorado Rockies defied all odds and broke expectations.
2007 Rocktober
On a fateful October 15, 2007, the Colorado Rockies would finish off a sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series. This win is monumental because it was the Rockies’ first-ever trip to the World Series (and the only one), but it was also the win that capped a magnificent 21-game winning streak, marking this high point as one for the books and dubbed the “Rocktober Run.”
This incredible streak started back on September 16 as the Rockies finished a game 13-0 against the Florida Marlins at Coors Field. And then they went on to win 2-3 games against the Diamondbacks, finishing the season. After that, they tied the Padres for the Wild Card and forced Game 163 in Denver.
Yes, the Rockies would be swept by the Red Sox in return during the World Series, but that wouldn’t make the Rocktober run any less than the fame it deserves. To this day, the Rocktober run would continue to reverberate inside many Rockies fans. Not just to fans, however, as bettors who made Colorado Rockies bets were tagged as winners, as the Colorado Rockies are usually the underdogs, which meant more winnings for them, especially with the Rockies’ win over Arizona on October 15.
The 2018 Wild Card Game Victory
The Colorado Rockies defeated the Chicago Cubs in a 13-inning showdown at Wrigley Field, which was a historic moment for every Rockies fan. It was the longest win-or-go-home playoff game in MLB history, making the game even more legendary, not just for the Rockies and their fans but for MLB in general. This was also the first Wild Card game that required tiebreakers for both teams, and the first NL Wild Card game to require a tiebreaker.
So what happened? Charlie Blackmon walked to lead off the Rockies, and then DJ LeMahieu followed with a double. They then proceeded to record their first run in the first inning through a sacrifice fly by Nolan Arenado. After some time, Tony Wolters, who entered the game in the 12th inning, had an RBI single, scoring Trevor Story. Scott Olberg then finished the game off by striking out Almora, Baez, and Gore, securing their spot in the NLDS.
The 2010 Ubaldo Jiménez No-Hitter
Through the 2018 season, only one pitcher, who was with the Colorado Rockies, has thrown a no-hit game. The incident occurred in Atlanta on a Saturday evening. This happened during the Rockies’ 18th season of National League play. The Braves entered the game having won their last three games, including a victory over the Rockies, and finished with a 9-5 win.
The Rockies gave the righty an early lead with a run in the top. Jimenez then gave up a one-out walk in the bottom of the first. Sometime later, he walked another batter in the second inning. His play is so good that he was able to pitch without incurring further damage.
The game will then go on to the ninth inning with the Rockies still holding onto their 4-0 lead. The game’s outcome was with little doubt at this time, with all the drama centered on Ubaldo Jimenez. He is at the top of his game that night. He hit 100 miles an hour three times, and his last pitch was 97. He threw 128 pitches, striking out seven in total.
The 2009 September Surge
The 2007 Rocktober was so legendary that the Rockies had to try it again. September often separates the pretenders from the real contenders, and it was no different that year. However, back in 2009, many people were writing off the Rockies as they sat behind the playoff race, thinking they would never make a push further in the season.
However, under the guidance of their manager, Jim Tracy, the Rockies would go on to do a late-season tear that mirrors their 2007 Rocktober run. With a combination of skill, timing, and determination, the Rockies would surge past other contenders and clinch the National League Wild Card. This turnaround has become a key reference point whenever discussions of postseason races arise and is typically referenced in Detailed MLB Player Profiles, as high-tier players often lead these races.
The run would be led by Carlos Gonzales, Todd Helton, and Troy Tulowitzki during a month when the Rockies would go in critical games down in the season. Of course, they would be defeated later on, but not by the Red Sox, but by the Phillies. However, this solidifies them as a team that you should never count on, especially when the Wild Card is on the line.
The 1995 Inaugural Playoff Berth
The Rockies, just in their third season in the MLB, shocked the entire league by clinching the Wild Card spot in the newly expanded MLB format. No one expected a franchise, especially a new one, to establish its determination and find its way to the postseason in such a quick manner.
It was thanks to the heavy-hitting lineup called the Blake Street Bombers, which was composed of Larry Walker, Andres Galarraga, Dante Bichette, and Vinny Castilla. With these guys, Colorado punched its way to a 77-67 record.
Although their postseason was cut short because of the Atlanta Braves, the Rockies’ appearance in the playoffs sent a clear message: that they were a team that could contend when it counted. It was an unexpected success that will be done again in 2007. Perhaps it’s even the run that inspired the Rocktober itself.
Final Words
While the Colorado Rockies may not be among the top-tier teams, they are a team that can inspire confidence and determination, especially when it comes to making the postseason. Sure, they have never made it past the postseason, but being there is already a great achievement. It’s probably only a matter of time before they finally shine in the World Series.
